Public knowledge about dosage forms, routes of drug administration and medication proper storage conditions in Riyadh District, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess public knowledge on the safety, efficacy, proper storage conditions and other physiochemical properties of different dosage forms. Methods: This study was based on a cross-sectional design. A structured quantitative survey, which included five sections, was used as an instrument for data collection. The first section addressed the demographic characteristics of the sample, whereas the second section assessed public knowledge on medications. The third section inquired about participants' preferred dosage forms. The fourth section was related to the perceived effects of physiochemical properties of medicines on their safety and efficacy. The fifth section addressed participants' thoughts on appropriate ways for medications usage and storage. A total of 752 participants completed the questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS (20.0) software. Key findings: Although our study findings pointed out some knowledge gaps based on participants' answers, most of the participants (87%) reported that physicians or pharmacists were the main sources of their medicine-related information. There was a great variation in participants' responses regarding perceived onset of action, proper storage conditions and other properties of different dosage forms. Conclusion: The study findings demonstrated the need to educate the public about basic information related to different dosage forms of medications.